How to Bypass an Alarm Sensor

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Rhea, we are happy to see that you were able to work with our Support Team in regards to that…

Alarm systems can do amazing things these days. The technology leaders (including FrontPoint) have added remote arm/disarm, event notifications by text or email, on-line history, mobile apps, video services, and now home automation (think lights, locks, and even thermostats). We’ve entered a new era of expanded home security, where more people than ever appreciate the convergence of protection, convenience, and control. But with all the new and advanced features and functions, there are still some basic aspects of how alarm systems work that people ask about on a regular basis. One of these functions is arming your system with one of the sensors “bypassed,” usually a door/window sensor, or a motion sensor.

Bypassing a Sensor – What It Means

Let’s say you want to use your alarm system, but you have a door or window, or general area that you want to treat differently, and still arm the rest of the system. There are numerous reasons why you might want to do this, such as the following:

You want to be able to open and close a specific window during the night, while your system is armed.

You want to bypass a certain motion sensor so that a person or pet can move through an area without creating an alarm event.

While you are making repairs or renovations to your home, a sensor may be temporarily displaced – and you still want to use your system to protect the rest of the house.

How to Bypass a Sensor with a FrontPoint System

Bypassing a sensor on a FrontPoint system is remarkably easy – thanks to the fact that we use GE Security components, the best wireless alarm equipment in the industry. They also have the easiest “user interface,” which results in fewer false alarms.

Other Helpful Information from FrontPoint

I’ve written often on the best ways to get the most out of your home security, and here are links to several of those posts:

FrontPoint is your best resource for the latest in security news, technology and the peace of mind that comes from protecting your home and family. With alarm systems that are safer, smarter, simpler, more affordable, and virtually impossible to defeat, FrontPoint is more than just another alarm company – we’re the recognized leader in wireless home security all across the US. You can always depend on us to give you the straight scoop, along with world-class service, whether you’re bypassing a sensor or setting up your FrontPoint system to send you texts or emails, or motion activated video clips from your wireless cameras. Have a question about home security? Ask FrontPoint!

Comments (58)

Rhea

- Jan. 2, 2017 at 3:31 PM

My garage door periodically says garage door bypassed. Just today it alarmed while I was away but there wasn’t an event. The people looking after my place said it kept saying “garage door open” but it wasn’t open. I changed the battery recently. Any ideas

Katie Rynex

- Jan. 9, 2017 at 2:57 PM

Rhea, we are happy to see that you were able to work with our Support Team in regards to that Garage Door Sensor! Thanks for reaching out and please let us know if you need anything going forward.

Tucker

- Dec. 21, 2016 at 10:26 PM

Such a worthless article that has no instructions in it as only saying how “easy” it is. You have to scroll through the comments to find anything useful. Then it makes no sense to bypass an sensor you have to open the door/window/hatch while arming or do some other convoluted method after armed. I want to give Frontpoint a chance but you all are making it really hard.

Julie

- Nov. 23, 2016 at 10:58 AM

Is there a way to deactivate the sound when a door with a sensor on it opens without bypassing it? We have dogs and the noise each time we open the door to let them out is making them a little crazy. I want the sensors to work but I don’t need to hear the beep every time I open the door.

Thanks!

Katie Rynex

- Dec. 14, 2016 at 8:39 AM

Julie, please give our Support Team a call at your earliest convenience and they would be more than happy to help you turn those chimes off so you will not hear the beep each time you open your doors. Thanks for reaching out and please let us know if you have any other questions!

Charlie

- Sep. 18, 2016 at 2:26 AM

Is there a way to have the security system to say out loud, “front door open”, or, “front door closed”.?

Katie Rynex

- Sep. 21, 2016 at 10:26 AM

Thanks for the great question Charlie! This is absolutely a feature of the panel. In order to better assist you, we will have one of our Support Specialist reach out to you so they can walk you through enabling this. Thank you for reaching out and we look forward to speaking with you soon!

Greg

- Aug. 30, 2016 at 2:12 PM

Is there a way to arm a system and bypass sensors via mobile app rather than on the control panel. If not, I would love to see this feature added to the mobile app.

thank you.

Katie Rynex

- Sep. 5, 2016 at 3:50 PM

At this time there is no option to bypass sensors from the Smart Phone app but our product team is diligently working to incorporate new and useful features to our application. Thank you for the great question Greg!

Carrie

- Jul. 7, 2016 at 10:48 AM

Is there a way to set the alarm in such a way that all alarms are on expect for one motion dector? I have tried pressing the bypass button but I keep getting a CDMA message. What does that mean?

Katie Rynex

- Aug. 1, 2016 at 3:55 PM

Carrie, we would like to have one of our Support Specialists reach out to you to address all of your questions however, we are having trouble locating your account. At your earliest convenience please email us at WeCare@frontpointsecurity.com with the name on your account. Thanks for reaching out and we hope to hear from you soon.

James

- Apr. 4, 2016 at 9:15 AM

Last night all night long I kept getting tamper reports on my cell phone. I got 17 of them through the night. I was home all night and nobody was tampering with the door, it was closed and I was trying to sleep. What’s going on here? I’m concerned because I’m going out of town next weekend, and don’t want this tamper alert going off if nothing is happening, but I do want it to go off if the door is opened. What do I do?

Katie Rynex

- Apr. 12, 2016 at 9:21 AM

James, we are going to have one of our Support Specialists reach out to you to help you with those tamper notifications. Thanks so much for reaching out and we look forward to speaking with you soon!

Mark

- Nov. 22, 2015 at 12:42 PM

This article was a fail.

Sebastien

- Nov. 17, 2015 at 8:57 AM

Good morning, i have a tamper alarm and every so often, the panel beep 3 times to let me know. I then beed to hit status to make it stop… And then it does it again…

How can i keep it quiet until it is actually fix?

Valerie Saponara

- Nov. 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Sebastien, this is not something you can do on your end, but our Support Team can quickly do this for you. Please reach out to our Support Team when you have a free moment and they can walk you through quieting that sensor.

Peter

- Jan. 31, 2016 at 1:47 PM

This is a fail. We should be able to clear it. My tamper alarm was from changing the battery. It shouldn’t do that and I should be able to clear it.

Valerie Saponara

- Feb. 1, 2016 at 11:57 AM

Peter, clearing a tamper alarm is definitely something you can do yourself, however, we suggest you call us so we can walk you through that process since every sensor is different. A tamper signal comes from a sensor if it has been opened or something has moved inside the sensor itself. Unfortunately at this time this is not something customers are able to do through the smartphone.

Karen

- Nov. 12, 2015 at 10:00 PM

Please tell us which arming choice we should make if we are arming the house for the night and we do not plan to go out. We have always used the ‘armed stay’ and I am assuming this is the correct one. ‘Armed away’ would only be for when we are away from the house?

By the way, we love this system!

Thanks!

Valerie Saponara

- Nov. 13, 2015 at 11:43 AM

Karen, it sounds like you’ve been arming your home properly at night and when you’re away from the house itself. You could arm your system as “Armed Away” if you know that no one will be triggering any motions sensors or opening doors at night, but most people don’t do this because they either wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or have pets and don’t want to accidentally trigger an alarming event. Thank you for this question and for letting us know how you feel about your system!

Ryan

- Sep. 22, 2015 at 8:28 AM

I would like to know if a bypassed door or window beeps when you open it like it normally would. I want to bypass my window for fresh air at night but don’t want to wake up my wife

Gilbert Cho

- Sep. 22, 2015 at 9:40 AM

Hi Ryan, you have nothing to worry about, bypassed sensors do not beep! Just make sure the sensor is closed when you disarm your system because it will start beeping again if it’s open. Disarming ends all any bypass settings.

TK

- Sep. 13, 2013 at 10:42 AM

Useless article; does not even explain how to by-pass. This reads more like shameless self-promotion and self-back-patting propaganda. I expect more from frontpoint (the leader, using the best, with amazing features). I get it, I am already a customer; just came here to get more info.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:27 PM

TK – Thanks for your comment, and sorry for not being more specific. And thank you for being a FrontPoint customer! As for the Bypass instructions, here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

James Milla

- Sep. 17, 2013 at 11:50 AM

I agree completely. Thought it would explain the directions on how to do it.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 17, 2013 at 11:55 AM

James – see my reply the other comments for the actual instructions, and thanks for your comment.

TK

- Sep. 13, 2013 at 10:42 AM

Useless article; does not even explain how to by-pass. This reads more like shameless self-promotion and self-back-patting propaganda. I expect more from frontpoint (the leader, using the best, with amazing features). I get it, I am already a customer; just came here to get more info.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:27 PM

TK – Thanks for your comment, and sorry for not being more specific. And thank you for being a FrontPoint customer! As for the Bypass instructions, here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

James Milla

- Sep. 17, 2013 at 11:50 AM

I agree completely. Thought it would explain the directions on how to do it.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 17, 2013 at 11:55 AM

James – see my reply the other comments for the actual instructions, and thanks for your comment.

Andy

- Sep. 11, 2013 at 10:59 PM

Maybe I am missing something. But how do you by-pass? This is how it looks on my computer:

“How to Bypass a Sensor with a FrontPoint System

Bypassing a sensor on a FrontPoint system is remarkably easy – thanks to the fact that we use GE Security components, the best wireless alarm equipment in the industry. They also have the easiest “user interface,” which results in fewer false alarms.”

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:26 PM

Andy – Thanks for your question, and here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

Andy

- Sep. 11, 2013 at 10:59 PM

Maybe I am missing something. But how do you by-pass? This is how it looks on my computer:

“How to Bypass a Sensor with a FrontPoint System

Bypassing a sensor on a FrontPoint system is remarkably easy – thanks to the fact that we use GE Security components, the best wireless alarm equipment in the industry. They also have the easiest “user interface,” which results in fewer false alarms.”

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:26 PM

Andy – Thanks for your question, and here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

Joe

- Sep. 9, 2013 at 1:42 PM

Your tips teel us that we can bypass a sensor (supposedly because GE equipment is amazing, as if no other equipment on the market includes this function), but the title of your posting is erroneous since nowhere in your text do your tell us the steps to take and the exact buttons to push to bypass a specific door or window. Please give us information and not sales pitches, unless you are directing us back to the Users Manual for every function.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:29 PM

Joe – Here you go, and thanks for your comment. Here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

Joe

- Sep. 9, 2013 at 1:42 PM

Your tips teel us that we can bypass a sensor (supposedly because GE equipment is amazing, as if no other equipment on the market includes this function), but the title of your posting is erroneous since nowhere in your text do your tell us the steps to take and the exact buttons to push to bypass a specific door or window. Please give us information and not sales pitches, unless you are directing us back to the Users Manual for every function.

Peter M. Rogers

- Sep. 16, 2013 at 5:29 PM

Joe – Here you go, and thanks for your comment. Here is the information.

Bypassing a sensor allows the system to remain armed while leaving a specific sensor (or sensors) in a disarmed status. For example, if an individual wants to arm their doors and windows but leave a kitchen window open, that sensor can be bypassed.
To Bypass a Sensor (With the system armed/arming):
1. Press the Bypass button and enter you Master Code.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the sensor you wished to be bypassed
a. On the first line, the display will show the sensor type, ex: SN 1 Front Door.
3. Press “OK” to bypass (deactivate) the sensor.
a. When a sensor is bypassed, the display shows Bypassed on the second line.

To Bypass a Door/Window Sensor prior to arming:
1. Before arming the system, open the door or window desired to be bypassed.
2. Arm your system accordingly.
3. The panel will notify you that the sensor is reporting “Open.”
4. Press the Bypass button.
5. The system will now arm all of the sensors except the one(s) reporting open.

I found about this feature way back. Very helpful to use this feature when I have visitors in the house or If I want people to move around freely in certain areas of the house while everything is armed. I use this feature very often

Peter M. Rogers

I found about this feature way back. Very helpful to use this feature when I have visitors in the house or If I want people to move around freely in certain areas of the house while everything is armed. I use this feature very often

Peter M. Rogers

Is there a way to bypass a sensor indefinitely so you don’t have to repeat this process every time you arm the system? Like a garage door sensor. I want to know if it’s open or closed but i don’t want it to set off the alarm if i just pull into the garage and don’t get out immediately.

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

Brent – Thanks for your excellent question. Yes, there is a way to do what you want – and it involves moving a sensor from one sensor “group” to another, so that different reporting properties kick in. I have asked our highly-regarded Customer Service folks to contact you on this matter, so they should be in touch soon. And please feel free to call them directly any time you have a question about your FrontPoint system. Thanks again!

Is there a way to bypass a sensor indefinitely so you don’t have to repeat this process every time you arm the system? Like a garage door sensor. I want to know if it’s open or closed but i don’t want it to set off the alarm if i just pull into the garage and don’t get out immediately.

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

Brent – Thanks for your excellent question. Yes, there is a way to do what you want – and it involves moving a sensor from one sensor “group” to another, so that different reporting properties kick in. I have asked our highly-regarded Customer Service folks to contact you on this matter, so they should be in touch soon. And please feel free to call them directly any time you have a question about your FrontPoint system. Thanks again!

Kartik

- Apr. 9, 2013 at 8:27 PM

Is there a mobile version of bypassing a sensor?

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 10, 2013 at 10:27 AM

Kartik – thanks for your excellent question. There is no manual bypass function for mobile devices or on myfrontpoint.com. However, arming remotely through the website or the mobile app will automatically bypass any sensors reporting open or trouble conditions (tamper, malfunction, etc.). Please let us know if you need any additional information and thanks again.

Hello – Does arming the system in stay mode via my mobile app also bypass any sensors reporting open so that as long as I arm my system to stay via my mobile app and not the control panel, I can leave certain windows open at night without the alarm being triggered? Thank you.

Peter M. Rogers

- Aug. 14, 2013 at 4:25 PM

Thanks for the question, Erin-

Please bear with me as this is a little difficult to explain.If arming the system remotely via the app in the stay or away mode, the system will automatically bypass any open sensors. However, the panel will beep and indicate any open sensor(s) for 5 minutes before the system will actually arm. Additionally, if arming the system remotely with no entry delay, open sensors will bypass immediately. Please let us know if this isn’t clear enough, or you would like further explanation, and we will gladly help. And of course, please feel free to call our Support team – they are very good at these questions. Thanks again.

Kartik

- Apr. 9, 2013 at 8:27 PM

Is there a mobile version of bypassing a sensor?

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 10, 2013 at 10:27 AM

Kartik – thanks for your excellent question. There is no manual bypass function for mobile devices or on myfrontpoint.com. However, arming remotely through the website or the mobile app will automatically bypass any sensors reporting open or trouble conditions (tamper, malfunction, etc.). Please let us know if you need any additional information and thanks again.

Hello – Does arming the system in stay mode via my mobile app also bypass any sensors reporting open so that as long as I arm my system to stay via my mobile app and not the control panel, I can leave certain windows open at night without the alarm being triggered? Thank you.

Peter M. Rogers

- Aug. 14, 2013 at 4:25 PM

Thanks for the question, Erin-

Please bear with me as this is a little difficult to explain.If arming the system remotely via the app in the stay or away mode, the system will automatically bypass any open sensors. However, the panel will beep and indicate any open sensor(s) for 5 minutes before the system will actually arm. Additionally, if arming the system remotely with no entry delay, open sensors will bypass immediately. Please let us know if this isn’t clear enough, or you would like further explanation, and we will gladly help. And of course, please feel free to call our Support team – they are very good at these questions. Thanks again.

Alan Draper

- Apr. 4, 2012 at 12:49 AM

This is great. I wasn’t aware of this method of bypassing sensors. I will have to try soon. Thanks!

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 5, 2012 at 10:56 AM

You are most welcome, Alan. And of course, you know you can call the FrontPoint Support team with any questions. They are a great group of highly trained and professional folks who are known throughout the industry for giving excellent support on all our products and services. In fact, we seldom have any interactions with the tech people at GE Security or Alarm.com, because our knowledge base is so strong. Of course, since we are supporting customers across the entire US and Canada, we need to be good, and provide the solutions quickly and accurately.

Alan Draper

- Apr. 4, 2012 at 12:49 AM

This is great. I wasn’t aware of this method of bypassing sensors. I will have to try soon. Thanks!

Peter M. Rogers

- Apr. 5, 2012 at 10:56 AM

You are most welcome, Alan. And of course, you know you can call the FrontPoint Support team with any questions. They are a great group of highly trained and professional folks who are known throughout the industry for giving excellent support on all our products and services. In fact, we seldom have any interactions with the tech people at GE Security or Alarm.com, because our knowledge base is so strong. Of course, since we are supporting customers across the entire US and Canada, we need to be good, and provide the solutions quickly and accurately.

Meet the Team

Katie has served in multiple roles in Frontpoint’s Customer Relations department, including serving as a mentor for new Customer Support Specialists, before joining the Reputation Team. She has a knack for explaining how to use a system without confusing even the biggest technology novice.

Peter has more than 20 years of home security experience; including leadership positions at some of the country’s most prominent alarm companies. He’s been sharing tips and industry knowledge on the company blog since 2010.

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